Cyclones Ready for 2013 Season

Courtesy: cyclones.com

Release: 08/17/2013

Related Links

More from Cyclones.tv

AMES, Iowa- Head Iowa State soccer coach Wendy Dillinger knows that game experience and leadership are key to a teams success. That is the reason the Cyclones are going to rely on those traits for the 2013 season.

Iowa State returns nine seniors to their roster this fall led by All-Big 12 star Jennifer Dominguez, who led the Big 12 in goals per game last year. Last season the crop of juniors were the driving force of the team. Now, with another year under their belts, the senior class expects to lead the Cyclones to new heights.

“We are ready to go,” Dillinger said. “It has been a great preseason camp for us. The returning players, our veterans, are all coming out hungry. I think that the whole senior class is the players that shine game to game. The whole group has stepped up. When you look at the senior class as a whole, that entire group is going to lead this team.”

Along with the seniors and returning players the Cyclones add 10 true freshmen into the mix this fall. Dillinger knows that under the leadership of the upperclassmen, the group of freshman can flourish this season.

The Cyclones are nearing the end of fall camp, using the practices to gel as a team and prepare for the upcoming year. Last season the Cyclones lost six games by one goal. A new practice scheme was added in hope that it will help turn close losses into wins.

“We have been holding a lot of pressure training in this camp,” Dillinger said. “Everything that we have done so far has been pressure training and the players have had to execute under pressure. They have stepped up well. I think that the confidence of the veteran group has showed the way for the underclassmen. It is just a matter of staying focused.”

While the Cyclones plan to score more goals this season, they know that they have a weapon in senior goalkeeper Maddie Jobe. Jobe, who had 74 saves last season, has performed at an even higher level this fall camp and gives the Cyclones a sense of security knowing that she is protecting their goal.

“She is making saves out here that are incredible,” Dillinger said. “We are seeing shots where we are calling goal already and she sneaks in and pushes it wide or catches it. She has worked very hard on her distribution with her punting and also goal kicks. She has gained more ground and distance. She has improved her game tremendously. Her reaction speed and ability to anticipate what is coming is phenomenal.”

With the combination of a defensive playmaker and scoring options around the field, the Cyclones are set for an exciting season.

The Cyclones will take on Illinois State Sunday at 1pm CT in Normal, Ill. in an exhibition game. Results will be available on Cyclones.com after the conclusion of the game.